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Here is a list of 51 things that you will make you a better pilot. They are in no particular order but apply to all pilots from student pilot to an airline transport pilot (ATP). Hopefully you will read through the list and have an “ah-ha” moment.

Remember, being a pilot is learning and growing experience. It should be fun and rewarding.

I’ve only listed 51 here to keep it short and plan on doing another list, but I would like you to submit some of your thoughts. You can leave them in the comment section below. Anyway, here we go:

1. Explain to your passengers the basics of flying.

2. Always get a weather briefing.

3. Do your pre-flight like you are expecting to find something.

4. Drain fuel twice and pour it back into the fuel tank if clean.

5. Take water with you.

6. Take some food with you.

7. Take money with you, even if you are just flying in the airport traffic pattern.

8. Always clear your turns.

9. Check your flashlight during your pre-flight.

10. Take extra batteries.

11. Taxi like you are a member of the Blue Angels, not too fast and not too slow.

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Flying lessons are expensive and time-consuming. You have to attend a ground school or take a computer-based training (CBT) course (my preference) to meet the knowledge requirements of flying, plus you have to take dual and solo flight lessons to earn the required number of hours for you to get your private pilot certificate.

The costs can really add up, see Breaking Down the Cost of Flight Schools, but there are ways to keep your costs down.

Here are some tips to help you save money while earning your private pilot certificate:

1. Have a Plan

Make sure you can devote time to the lessons and that you understand the kind of demands flying will require. Your goal should be to work as quickly as possible through both the ground and flight requirements of your flight training.

First, go to a local flight school and participate in a Discovery Flight. Then, interview pilots and flight instructors and find out how flying lessons are taught and what training aircraft will be used. Have them breakdown the costs and time-frame of getting your Private Pilot certificate.

Decide if you want to go Part 61 and Part 141. Part 61 is a little cheaper but less organized. Part 141 is an accredited course that the school teaches and it is more organized. Know what your commitment level will be and an instructor will help you plan the rest.

2. Study Ahead and Often

It pays to know what your next flight lessons are, so you can come to your lessons prepared.

A good flight instructor will give you a study schedule to follow.

Before each lesson, devote at least 20 minutes reading about your future flight lessons in advance. This helps you learn faster while shortening the time spent on your training.

Before you go to your lesson, sit in a chair and “arm chair” fly. “Arm chair” flying is the process of sitting in a chair like you are flying an airplane. Close your eyes and imagine ALL the things you are going to do. As an example, imagine what you are looking for when you walk around the airplane doing your pre-flight. Imagine and practice what you are going to say on the radio. Imagine and mentally practice your maneuvers and the outcome.

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